Russian company promises a day off to employees who want to play ‘GTA VI’ on release day — if they can prove they own a console with the game

Benza, a Russian petrol station equipment maker, has offered employees an extra day off to play “GTA VI” when it is released. The offer applies across roles and genders, making it an unusual example of a company accommodating workers’ enthusiasm for a major game.

The Penza-based company employs about 240 people, and its owner says staff must prove they own a console with the game to qualify. “GTA VI” is due out on November 19. Some US and Canadian companies have made similar offers, while a North American study found nearly one in five employees planned to take release day off.